The Genesis and Spread of ISIS Propaganda and Recruitment In Turkey

Abstract

Turkey has been a vital location and passage for ISIS and other Jihadist extremist groups. Turkey which has had an anomalous relationship with these radical groups- turning a blind eye or directly and/or indirectly providing radical groups, with the logistical, political, and economic support- still at the crossroad of becoming another Pakistan in terms of the future impact of its connection with these groups. The presence and transit of foreign fighters and extremists through Turkey has been posing serious security threats and creating safety concerns for Turkish people. This presentation involves findings of a research project titled “Countering Violent Extremism by Unraveling the Propaganda and Recruitment Techniques of ISIS in Turkey,” which was funded by the US State Department. In this study, we analyze ISIS’ propaganda and recruitment activities by using three different original data collections. First, we examine the public perception of ISIS’ propaganda and recruitment activities by analyzing a national representative survey in Turkey (N: 1609). Second, for first-hand evidence and in-depth analysis, we conducted network and content analysis on Turkish speaking pro-ISIS seed accounts on Twitter during six-months period. Third, we had in-depth interviews with Turkish practitioners and scholars in the field of security and counter-terrorism. This research overall unearths ISIS’ extensive propaganda and recruitment activities and suggests policy implications for policymakers and practitioners.